Cape Breton snowshoeing events organized by Hike Nova Scotia

SYDNEY — With lots of snow and chilly days, 2014 might be the year to consider a new way to enjoy winter.

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“Snowshoeing is seeing a real surge in popularity these last few years,” said Janet Barlow with Hike Nova Scotia. “And our snowier than normal winter — if it continues — is certainly going to spur more people to try snowshoeing.”

Hike Nova Scotia is urging Nova Scotians to go outside rather than hibernate all winter and has designed a series of 35 winter guided snowshoe hikes across the province, including several in Cape Breton.

Hike Nova Scotia and 11 partner groups have organized the events between Jan. 11 and March 16 across the province.

“We’re hoping that our Hibernating is for Bears contest, in addition to the guided hikes, will encourage folks to get out onto the trails rather than be cooped up inside all winter long,” Barlow says.

The contest invites people to take photos of themselves hiking, walking or snowshoeing and then share them with Hike NS on email, Facebook and Twitter. The contest runs from Jan. 11 to Feb. 11 and participants could win a prize package valued at $100. The events are led by local folks and participants qualify to win “trail prizes.”

The Cape Breton list of hikes includes: snowshoe jaunts under the moon at Ski Ben Eoin on Jan. 16 , Feb. 15 and March 15 at 7 p.m.; a snowshoe hike around the Clyburn Loop at the Clyburn Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park on Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.; an Eagles Nest snowshoe hike at Black Brook in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park at 10 a.m. on Feb. 23; and a hike around Wilkie's Gulch, Bay Road near Bay St. Lawrence on March 8 at 10 a.m.

Hike Nova Scotia encourages and promotes hiking, walking and snowshoeing throughout Nova Scotia. Membership in Hike NS means keeping up-to-date on the latest hiking news and having a say in its many projects. Hike NS is supported by the Province of Nova Scotia.